Written by Paul Vettise
Native Soldier (Sepoy) went to war at Caulfield and he emerged with a gold star for bravery and a shot at Group 1 honours. He put a competitive line-up of 3-year-olds to the sword in Saturday’s G3 H.D.F McNeill S., with a performance that surprised trainer Darren Weir.
“I didn’t see that coming to be honest,” he said. “He began well and got across, it was a terrific win. I said to Dean (Yendall) to be in the first four and the horse was stopping a bit late, but he was entitled to.”
Native Soldier winning the Group 3 H.D.F McNeill Stakes
Native Soldier crossed the field from, a wide gate to lead and, despite being hassled all the way, he forged clear into the straight and was too good. “There’s a bit more to come from him,” Weir said. “He’s on a Guineas path and he’s a beautiful horse, a really good sort.”
“He’s on a Guineas path and he’s a beautiful horse, a really good sort.” – Darren Weir.
The chestnut has now won three of his seven starts and his first in the hands of Yendall. “He began cleanly and I was able to get over and get away a bit straightening up,” he said. “It was a good, tough win and hopefully we’ll see better things through the spring.”
Native Soldier's return to the winners stall was a surprise for his trainer Darren Weir
The August (I Am Invincible) got home well for second ahead of Seabrook (NZ) (Hinchinbrook), who gave a strong account in her appearance since she won the G1 Champagne S., at Randwick in the autumn.
Pedigree Notes
Native Soldier is out of Belong To Many (Belong To Me {USA}), who enjoyed a lucrative racing with her eight wins featuring victory in the G2 Sapphire S., and further three at Listed level. At stud, she has left two winners from three to the races and has been served in each of the last two years by I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit {IRE}).
Native Soldier was a $160,000 purchase at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and the presence of the G1 Goodwood H., winner Sword (Switch In Time {IRE}) aside, the pedigree is light on feature race success.
Native Soldier is by Darley stallion, Sepoy
